Parrotfish

Parrotfish are a vibrant and fascinating addition to any saltwater aquarium, known for their bright colors and unique feeding habits. These fish belong to the family Scaridae and are found in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. One of their most distinctive features is their beak-like dental structure, which they use to scrape algae off coral and rocks. This feeding behavior not only helps keep algae growth in check but also contributes to the creation of sandy beaches, as they excrete the ground-up coral as sand.

Parrotfish are generally medium to large in size, with some species growing up to 120 cm (4 feet) in length. They are best suited for larger aquariums due to their size and active swimming habits. These fish are known for their vivid coloration, which can change as they age or during different phases of their life cycle. Some species also exhibit sexual dimorphism, where males and females display different colors and patterns.

Caring for parrotfish in an aquarium setting requires a well-established tank with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate. Due to their diet, it's important to provide a variety of algae-based foods and supplements. They can also be fed small crustaceans and other meaty foods to ensure a balanced diet.

Parrotfish are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially males. It's advisable to keep them with other fish of similar size and temperament. They can coexist with a variety of tank mates, including tangs, angelfish, and wrasses. However, they should not be kept with very small fish or invertebrates, as they may be seen as food.

In summary, parrotfish are a colorful and dynamic choice for experienced aquarists with large tanks. Their unique feeding habits and vivid appearance make them a standout addition to any reef or fish-only aquarium.

1. Common name: Spinytooth parrotfish

   Scientific name: Calotomus spinidens
2. 
   Common name: Bicolor parrotfish

   Scientific name: Cetoscarus bicolor
3. Common name: Bluemoon parrotfish

   Scientific name: Chlorurus atrilunula
4. Common name: Tan-faced parrotfish

   Scientific name: Chlorurus frontalis
5. 
   Common name: Sinai parrotfish

   Scientific name: Chlorurus genazonatus
6. 
   Common name: Steephead parrotfish

   Scientific name: Chlorurus gibbus
7. 
   Common name: Japanese parrotfish

   Scientific name: Chlorurus japanensis
8. 
   Common name: Blunt-head parrotfish

   Scientific name: Chlorurus microrhinos
9. Common name: Spectacled parrotfish

   Scientific name: Chlorurus perspicillatus
10. 
    Common name: Bullethead parrotfish

    Scientific name: Chlorurus sordidus
11. 
    Common name: Indian Ocean steephead parrotfish

    Scientific name: Chlorurus strongylocephalus
12. Common name: Troschel's parrotfish

    Scientific name: Chlorurus troschelii
13. 
    Common name: Longnose parrotfish

    Scientific name: Hipposcarus harid
14. Common name: Lama G. Cuvier, 1800

    Scientific name: Leptoscarus vaigiensis
15. 
    Common name: Filament-finned parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus altipinnis
16. 
    Common name: Blue kwab

    Scientific name: Scarus coeruleus
17. 
    Common name: Darktail parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus fuscocaudalis
18. 
    Common name: Blue-barred parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus ghobban
19. Common name: Guinean parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus hoefleri
20. 
    Common name: Dusky parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus niger
21. Common name: Darkcapped parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus oviceps
22. 
    Common name: Gulf parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus persicus
23. 
    Common name: Ember parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus rubroviolaceus
24. Common name: Eclipse parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus russelii
25. 
    Common name: Yellowband parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus schlegeli
26. 
    Common name: loro

    Scientific name: Scarus taeniopterus
27. 
    Common name: Tricolour parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus tricolor
28. Common name: Dhofar parrotfish

    Scientific name: Scarus zufar